WINTHROP, Mass. -- A local town is trying to revitalize its downtown shopping area amid a sagging economy and skyrocketing gas prices.

Giving Downtown A Boost

NewsCenter 5's Jim Morelli reported that Winthrop merchants will be holding a sidewalk sale this weekend to boost business.

"Everything from cafes to restaurants to boutiques to services like photographers and hair dressers," said Maggie Morris, of the Chamber of Commerce.

Merchants hope customers will stay close to home to avoid longer drives and high gas prices.

"It's very important. It gets a lot of people in the downtown center area. We are trying to get the center back. As you can see, it needs more revitalization," said Lorraine Mitchell, of the Crusty Crumpet Bakery.

In the age of mega-malls, keeping local businesses going is not easy, but not impossible.

"When we started years ago, there was a shop like this in every town," said Anthony Rossetti, owner of Publix Shoe.

Sixty-one years later, the store is still open. Rossetti said he knows his customers and their feet.

"They come from all over. I don't mean to be bragging, but we are the best," he said.